John Tatum (Canadian football)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John P. Tatum (born c. 1935) is an American former professional football who won a Grey Cup with the Edmonton Eskimos. He is the father of John P. Tatum II, CEO of Genesco Sports Enterprises.[1] He played college football at the University of Texas.[2][3][4]
Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
| Profile | |
|---|---|
| Positions | Center, Linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born | 1934 or 1935 (age 91–92) Lubbock, Texas, U.S. |
| Listed height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Listed weight | 205 lb (93 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Lubbock (TX) |
| College | Texas |
| NFL draft | 1956: 24th round, 286th overall pick |
| Career history | |
| 1956 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| 1959 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| Awards and highlights | |
Out of college he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 24th round of the 1956 NFL draft (#286 overall), but he never signed with the team.[5]
He signed with the Eskimos on May 20, 1956 and spent the season filling in for the injured Kurt Burris at center and playing linebacker on defense.[6] He played in 16 games games, recording 2 interceptions, one of which he returned for 6 yards, and 3 fumble recoveries. He also played in all 4 playoff games. He helped the team win the 44th Grey Cup and in the title game he had a pass deflection and fumble recovery.[7]
In 1957 he was called up to military service but he rejoined the team in August 1959.[8]
In 1959, he played in one game before missing several weeks with a spine injury and then played in two more games. In mid-October he was removed from the roster to make room for Don Stephenson.
